I think their head is similar to that of a snakes.. their shell hard like rock.. in the wild this might resemble a snake peeking out from a rock.... so i think they do this as a defense mechanism when they are feeling frightened...when I surprise him n go to just snatch him up kinda like a bird would I'd say.. . my Ninja does this rarely and its usually when he doesn't see or hear me.. otherwise when he sees or hears me. He heads my way.. head n neck all the way out ready to be petted.. Ninja is an eastern box turtle.. beautifully orange in color ... :) hope this helps...
Jun 10, 2010
Yea easy one by: Anonymous
When turtles go into their shell the collaps their lungs releasing all the air...common mistake to think it's a hiss